Packaging mechanism



June 6, 1939- J. w. THOMAS 2,160,992

PACKAGING MECHANISM Filed Jun 18, 1936 7 Sheets- Sheet 1 ilk? INVENTOR. Jamv WAYNE THOMAS.

ATTORNEY.

June 6, 1939. J. w. THOMAS 2,160,992

PACKAGING MECHANISM Fil'ed June 18, 1936 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 June 6, 1939. J. w. THOMAS PACKAGING-MECHANISM 7 Sheets-Sheet. 3

w i. x

Filed June' 18, 1936 R o NW R M JOHN WAYNE THOMAS jfiom Jun 6, 1939. J. w. THOMAS 2,160,992 PACKAGING MECHANISM 7 Filed June 18, 1936 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 i INVENTOR 4 I29 JOHN WAYNE THOMAS.

' ab 11%RNEY.

June 6, 1939.

J. 'w. THOMAS 2,160,992 PACKAGING MECHANISM Filed June 18, 1936 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR Jonu Mm: THOMAS J. W. THOMAS PACKAGING MECHANISM June 6, 1939.

Filed June 18, 1936 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 7 INVENTOR. Jomv Mm: Tun/ s.

fi ls ATTORNEY.

Patented June 6, 1939 UNITED STATE PACKAGING MECHANISM John Wayne Thomas, New Kensington, Pa., as-

signor to Aluminum Company of America, Pittsburgh, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Application June 18, 1936, Serial No. 85,957 '25 Claims. (Cl. 226-45) This invention relates generally to the art of packaging, and is particularly directed to mechanisms employed in applying closures to receptacles and the like.

The mechanisms hereinafter described have numerous applications-in the closure and pack-.- aging art, and the invention is only limited'in its applicability as defined in the claims appended hereto.

.The invention contemplates the application of closures to receptacles and finds satisfactory ema closure-sealing operation;

ployment in mechanisms associatedwith receptacle orlbottle-filling devices, as well'as in associat'ion with instrumentalities designed for the U purpose of manufacturing and applying closures in one and the same machine. Likewise, the infl vention has been successfully employed in the application of closures'to receptacleswhere receptacles, having preformed closures loosely apof a package or closure-sealing mechanism in plied to their open ends, are presented to the mechanisms of the invention from widely sepa-.

rated points in a packaging industry for the purpose of having their closures sealed thereto.

An object of the invention is the provision of to more clearly show the mode of construction of the mechanism;

Figure 4 represents a sectional plan view taken along the line IV-IV of Figure 3;

Figure 5'rep1'esents a sectional plan view taken along the line V-V of Figure 3;

Figure 6 represents a fragmentary sectional elevation, to an enlarged scale, taken along the line VI-VI of Figure 5-, illustrating the relative positions of the elements of a single closure-sealing device or head prior to the performance of a Figure 7 represents'a fragmentary sectional elevation similar to that represented in Figure 6,

Figure 8 represents a top plan-viewof the segmental ring element of the closure-sealing device illustrated. in Figures 6 and '7;

Figure 9 represents a sectionalelevation taken along the line IX-IX of Figure 8;

Figure 10 represents a top. plan view of the side-pressure sealing annulus-"of the closure-' a mechanism for sealing closures on receptacles,

such as bottles or the like, with a minimum vation, the segment-actuating element removed from the closure-sealing device illustrated in "Figures 6 and 7;

amount of distortion of theclosures.

Another object of the invention is to provide,

in organized mechanisms, closure-applying instrumentalities in unitary construction which tion in packaging mechanisms of the continuous type wherein the receptacles to besealed'are pre-,

sentedin uninterrupted flow.'

'Other objects will present themselves on 0011- vslderation of the following specification and claims, wherein selected mechanisms incorporating the features of the'invention are clearly and specifically described; Referring to the drawings:

Figure 1 represents, in top plan view, a closureforming, embossing, and applying or sealing mechanism illustrating the relative location of the various units entering into the construction which the preferred embodiment of the invention 'is incorporated;

Figure 2 represents mechanism illustrated in Figure 1';

a side elevation of the Figure 3 represents a'fragmentary-view, to en-' larged scale, taken along the line III-III of Figure 1, parts of the structure being broken away sealing device illustrated in Figures 6 and 7;

Figure 12 represents, in side elevation, the

vational view taken in the direction of the ar- Figure 11 represents, in partial sectional elepressure ac'tuating,cooperating element removed from the closure-sealing device illustrated in Figures Sand '7;

Figure 13 represents a fragmentary sectional view,'to an enlarged scale, ,of the cap transfer mechanismaincorporated in the mechanism illustrated in Figure 1;

Figure 14 represents a fragmentary, partial sectional elevation through a pair of adjacent receptale-supporting pedestals taken along the line XIV-XIV of .Figure 3;

a Figure =15 represents a fragmentary top plan view ofthe receptacle-raising-cam mechanism;

Figure 16 represents a fragmentary front ele- 45 rows XVI XVI in Figure 15;

. Figure 1'7 represents a partial top plan view, in partial section, of a modified embodiment of the mechanism illustrated in Figure 5;

Figure 18 represents a fragmentary sectional. plan view, to an enlarged scale, of the mechanism illustrated in Figure 17, parts being removed to more clearly illustrate the internal structure of the modified form of closure-sealing device;

. Figurel9 represents a fragmentary sectional elevation, to an enlarged scale, taken along the line XIX-4CD; of Figure 17; 1

Figure 20 represents a sectional elevation, to an enlarged scale, taken along the line XX-XX of Figure 17;

Figure 21 represents a top plan view of a single segment removed from the modified form of closure-sealing device illustrated in Figures 18 and 20; 1

Figure 22 represents a sectional elevation taken along theline XXII-XXII of Figure 21; 1 Figure 23 represents an elevational view of an element removed from the structure illustrated in Figure 20;

Figure 24- represents a further embodiment of a closure-applying mechanism, illustrated in sectional elevation, in which'the invention is incorporated; r a

Figure 25 represents a sectional plan view taken along the line XXV-m of Figure 24.

In the preferred form of the invention, illustrated in Figures 1 to 16 inclusive, a self-contained or. unitary closure-making and applying incotpcrating the new and improved features and 40 mechanism is shown which is readily adaptable to various types of standard filling and packaging devices. Since filling equipment, such as stand ard types of milk bottle fillers and other analogous machines, are familiar tq those versed in this art, it has not been deemed necessary to illustrate the various and sundry types of apparatus susceptible of association with the present invention. Furthermore, the invention is possible of clear description and explanation without reference to its numerousapplications.

Referring in more particularity to the preferred embodiment of the invention, Figures 1 and 2 disclose, in top plan and side elevational views, a unitary closure-making and applying mechanism' combinations of elements constituting the inven-- tion herein. A main frame or base member l supports the various elements ofthe mechanism and permits unitary movement and adaptation of the mechanism ttrvarious coordinated installations. Supported and suitably attached to the main framejfl is a bracket onstandard N (Figures 2, 3, and upon the top surface of which is mounted asub-press housing represented in its entirety bythe reference numeral l2. In combination with the sub-press housing |2 are the various elements and coordinated instrumentalities for manufacturing closures or caps for' subsequent application and sealing upon recep- -tacles.

In the particular mechanism illustrated in Figures 1 to 16 inclusive, the closummanufacturing instrumentalities are designed for the purpose of making metallic foil closures such as are used in the capping of milk bottles. Examples of these closures are described and claimed in United States Letters Patents 1,796,728 and- 1,796,729, but/it will be quite manifest from a further consideration of the specification 'that the invention is not limited to these specific forms of closures. v

The housing l2 has associated therewith a subpress unit l4 and an embossing unit I5, shown to best-advantage in Figure 2,-wherein metallicfoil, :or other suitable material, drawn from a supply roll l8 mounted upona suitablebracket -n, is first blanked and drawn into the form of shallow closures, which may thereafterbe em- .bossed with any desirable advertising or identify-- ing subject matter between suitable dies moimte'd in the unit l5. Typical closure-formingand emany desired adjusted position within bored recess' 39 within the plate 22.

bossing instrumentalities, as represented herein at M and I5, have been made the subject matter of United States Letters Patent to John E. Sharp and Max M; Kipfer, 1,963,103, issued under date of June 19, '1934, and 2,096,346, issued under date of October 19, 1937.

The closures which have been drawn and embossed at. l4 and I5, respectively, are suitably automatically discharged by way of a chute IB (Figures 1 and 2) where they fall, under the influence'of gravity, into position within a'cap transfer. mechanism representedc. in its entirety at 20 (Figures 1 and 13) a plurality of yieldable members in the form of rollers l9, incorporated in the cap transfer 20, cooperating with a moving filled receptacle to loosely apply a closure thereto in the course of the mechanisms operation prior to presenting a receptacle, and its loosely applied closure, to the closure-sealing'mecha'nism to be hereinafter described.

Referring now to theparticular form of closure-sealing mechanism incorporated in the pre- 2 ferred embodiment of the invention, particular threaded engagement with the shaft 24 as at 30,

the periphery of the nut being constructed in the reference is made to Figures 3 to 12 inclusive.

form of a worm wheel 3|. A worm 32 is suitably journalled within the housing 28 in mesh with the worm wheel 3|, a washer 33 secured to the extending end 34 of the worm 32 and a spring 35-interposed the housing 28 and washer 33 providing a restraining force against unintended rotation of the worm and worm wheel, as by vibration or the like. By means of a suitable crank handle,'n ot shown, attached to the end 34 of the worm 32, the sealing he ad plate 22 may be raised or lowered into adjusted 'positionto adapt the closure-sealing heads or devices to various bottle heights, and in order that the sealing head plate 22 will remain in proper registry with the receptacle supports immediately below the same a key. 36 issecured within the hub 25 in slidable engagement within the keyway 31 provided in the shaft 24.

'The particular mechanism illustrated as the preferred form of the invention is represented as containing six separate sealing heads or de-" vices, each represented in its entirety by th e reference numeral 38 ,(Figures 3, 6, and 7). Since the six sealing heads contained inthe plate 22 are identical in all respects, one of these sealing devices will be described in detail. Each sealing member 4| adjustably mounted within .an aperturehin the plate 22, which isprovided with suit:

able threads 40, and a lock nut-42, threaded upon theextending shank of the top-pressure blocksupporting member 4|,in contact with the top surface of the plate 22, secures the member 4| in a counter- Slidably mounted upon a shouldered portion 45, exten ing.- downwardly into the recess 39, is an externally threaded annular bolt member 46 having provided within peripheral portions therehead comprises a top-pressureblock-supporting I of diametrically opposed semi-circular apertures istry with the aforementioned semi-circular ap-- ertures. In threaded engagement with-said bolt member 48 is an internally threaded nut member 49 which, as shown to best advantage in Figures 3, 5, 6, 7, and 11, is formed with an extending clevis 58 for'the purpose of receiving a suitable cam roller 5|.

The nut member 49 is maintained in a horizontal position through its bearing contact at 52 with the plate 22 and its bearing contact at 53 with a bottom apertured cover plate member 54, adjacent cover plate members 54 being secured in assembled relationship with the plate 22 through the medium of the flanged knurled heads of bolts 55 extending through the plate 22 and provided on the upper surface of. plate 22 with clamping nuts 56 (Figure 3).

A chamfered annular member 51 is secured, as by means 'of a press fit, within a counterbored cavity 58 provided in the bolt member 46. This member 51 receives, in bearing contact with its chamfered surface 59, complementary chamfered surfaces of segments 88, which segments form an annulus of substantially channel form in cross section, as shown to best advantage in Figures 8 and 9. The annular channel 6| formed by the plurality of separate spaced segments 68 receives a side-pressure member 62 of rubber-or other suitable plastic or deformable material, a pin 63 fixed within each of the segments 68 being received within complementary cavities or apertures 64 within the periphery of the side-pressure ring 62, which construction insures maintenance of the side-pressure ring 82 within its channel 6| and maintains the separate segments 68 in equally spaced relationship therewith. Also, the sidepressure annulus 62 is radially slotted, as at 65, for a purpose to be hereinafter explained.

A top annular pressure member 66 of suitable plastic material, such as rubber or the like, is

also provided and is secured by means of an integral peripheral flange 61 extending within an undercut cavity-in the top-pressure block-supporting member 4|. As previously described, the top-pressure block member is adjustably positioned within the recess 39.

' v The segments 68 are slidably supported upon a suitable bearing washer 68 of hardened steel or the like which is held in bearing relationship with the bottom surface of the aforementioned segments through the medium ofan apertured spanner nut 69 in threaded engagement at'-|8 with the bottom cover plate 54. The spanner nut 69 supports the elements of a sealing device in proper cooperative operating relationship with respect to the necessary clearance between the aforementioned bearing washer 68 and the segments 68, the purpose of which will be hereinafter trolling the downward vertical movement of the disc member 18.

Mounted upon the aforementioned vertical shaft 24, which supports the sealing head plate 22, and directly below the plate 22, is a member in the form of a casting 18 provided with bearing bosses 19 equal in number and in registry with the aforedescribed sealing heads 38. The casting 18 (Figure 3) is suitably'keyed for rotation with the shaft 24 in registry with the aforementioned plate 22, and within the bosses l9 pedestal members 88 are resiliently supported. Each pedestal comprises a bottle-supporting surface having. a stem 8| which is connected to a sleeve member 82 mounted in sliding contact with a bushing 83 within the boss 19. The connection between the stem 8| and sleeve member 82 comprises a through pin 98 fixed in the stem 8| and having its extending end portions slidingly engaged within suitable slots 84 in the sleeve 82. A suitable coil spring 85 within a central counterbored portion of the stem 8| and in bearing relationship. at

its lower end with the closed bottom 86 of sleeve 82 provides a resilient support for the pedestal r 88, vertical movement of the bearing surface of the pedestal, relative to the sleeve 82, being represented by the travel of 'the pin 98 within the slots 84. g

Adjacent the lower end of each bearing boss 19 a member. in the form 'of an apertured casting 88 is supported as by means of cap screws 81 (Fig-.

which is positioned for rolling engagement upon an arcuate cam member 94 (Figures 3, 14, 15, and

The cam member 94 is .so constructed that the pedestals 88, through the cooperation of the link-mounted cam rollers 93, are raised towards the sealing devices or heads 38, duringeachrevolution of ,the shaft 24, for the purpose of advancing receptacles, loosely supporting closures on their open ends, into the closure-sealing devices. Also, by means of an extending shaft 95, supporting each cam roller 93, and a railbracket 96 adapted to engage the shaft 95 (Figures 3, 15, and 16), return of the pedestals 88 to their lower receptacle-charging and discharg'mg position is insured. Each pedestal unit, comprising the sleeve 82 with its, attached link member 98,

cam roller 93, spring 85, and pedestal 88, is otherwise of suflicient dead weight to maintain the pedestals 88 in their lowered bdttle-receiving and discharge positions, positive lifting of The link mounting of the cam rollers 98(Figure 14) by pivoting the link 98 adjacent the lower side" of one pedestal-supporting boss I9,

and link-connecting the opposite end of the link member 98 to the sleeve member 82 within an immediately adjacent boss 19 provides a direct vertical lifting force on the pedestals and in-.

sures against undue wear andpossible binding such as would arise if an obliquely applied-lifting force were resorted to. Furthermore, the

' resilient mounting of the pedestals 88, through 'the medium of springs 85, insures against receptacle breakage because of any inaccuracy in remined top-pressure within the sealing heads 38 Although it is not essential for a complete understanding of this mechanism to fully describe the means for actuating the same, reference is made to Figures 1, 2, 3, and 5, wherein a motor I00, through suitable sprocket and chain connections IOI, imparts rotary movement to the worm wheel I02 secured to the shaft 24, whereby shaft 24 is actuated. Through the same drive and the sprockets and chainindicated at I03, the feed and discharge starwheels I04 and I05, respectively, are driven in correctly timed relationship with respect to the plate 22 and pedestals 80, whereby bottles supplied to the starwheel I04 froma bottle-filling mechanism, not shown, or from-anysuitable supply of filled bottles, are carried through the mechanism for the purpose of having caps or closures secured to their open ends. Through intermeshing miter gears I01 and I08, motor I likewise drives the vertical shaft I09 which constitutes a drive for the vari-' has not been deem-ed necessary to fully describe. this portion of the mechanism in further detail than that given hereinabove. As shown to best advantage in Figures 3 and 5, the aforementionedjbracket II, which supports the v sub-press I2 and its correlated parts, is semi-circular in form adjacent the motor, or right-hand side of the mechanism. Substantially centrally located towards the top of this semicircular portion of the bracket II is an aperture IIO through which extend hollow bosses III formed integral with a plate member II2, the plate being supported, as by cap screws II I3, on the rear face of the bracket II. Four bosses III are provided in the preferred form of the construction under consideration, and shouldered bolts 4 extending through the bosses III threadedly engage at I I5 a cam plate I I6, a clear- "which shoulders against the interior bottom wall of-the hollow bosses III, and a stiff spring 9 is disposed between the-aforementioned flange II8 and anadjustable nut or capmember I20 which is threaded into the boss III. The clearance III between the.bosses' III and the 'rear' face of the cam plate I I6, together with the 'back-,

up spring H9 and adjustable capping piece I20,

I provides a resilient and adjustable mounting for the cam'plate, the purpose of which will be here'- inafter-understood. I

, In the operation of the preferred form of the invention"he retofore described and illustrated in Figures. 1 to 16 inclusive, filled bottles or other receptacles to be sealed are supplied from .a' filler or any other suitable source, as by 'a conveyor or the like,- not shown, to th con-,v

tin'uously' rotatingin-feedstar-wheel I04 which Without interruption in the travel of the bottles 'ceptacle heights, and also insures a predeternow having caps loosely supported thereon, the starwheel I04, in combination with suitable guide means, discharges the bottles centrally upon the pedestals 80 carried within the casting member 19, the pedestals being in their lowered position as heretofore described. As illustrated to best advantage in Figure 5, the pedestals are rotated continuously 'in' a counter clockwise' direction through the medium of their supporting casting 18, mounted upon the shaft 24, which direction in Figure 6 is accomplished in proper timed relationship with respect to the coincidence of the sealing head 38 with the cam plate II6 through the medium of the arcuate cam 94, as heretofore described.

Through the contact of the cam wheel 5| with the cam plate 6, the member 49 is oscillated from right to left, as viewed in Figure 5, said oscillation taking place against the tension provided by springs I24.

Movement of the member 49 is confined to a horizontal plane in view of its mounting between the bearing surfaces 52 and 53, and in view of the internal quick pitch acme thread I25 in the member 49, the threadedly engaging bolt member 46 reciprocally descends from the position shown in Figure 6 to that shown in Figure 'I. The descent of the member 46 reacts to'carry the chamfered bearing ring 51 downwardly upon the chamfered surfaces of the segments 90, which latter carry the side-pressure sealing annulus 62. The annulus 62 is thereby compressed against the depending-skirt ofthe closure I-2I to mold the same into conformity with the bottle finish dislots 95 in the annulus 62 assist in the contraction of the annulus. I

The top-pressure member 66 within the member 4| affords a plastic or elastic pressure upon the top surface of the closure I2I, and the resiliently supported disc member 13 serves to position the closure I2I flatly upon the openend of its supporting receptacle prior to a sealing operation. a i

On completion of the travel of the cam wheel .5I in contact with the cam plate IIG, the springs I24 return the member 49 to the position illusside-pressure member 62 returns the segments 60'to'their expanded position. Movement of the bolt member 46 in response to oscillatory movement of its threadedly engaged nut member 49 is confined to movementina vertical plane in view of the engagement of the bolt member 46 with the unthreaded shanks 48 of bolts 43 within "the aperture 41 as hereinbeforedescribed. The

receptacles I22 are thereafter continuously discharged from the pedestals 80, which have been 'trated in Figure 6, wherein the,,bolt member 49 r '-is returned to its upper position, and the elastic lowered through the medium of the aforer'nen- 'tioned shaft 95 in engagement with. bracket 95 (Figures 3, 15, and 16), by mean: of the contin- 'I'he aforede'scribed resilient mounting of the cam plate II6 permits the application of a uniform-sealing pressure during the sealing ofa of the plate 22, supporting the individual sealing heads or devices 38, provide a mechanism which may be adjusted to take care of various heights of receptacles, such as quarts,- pints, half-pints,

etc.

By reference to Figure.5 illustrating 'the preferred embodiment of the invention, and in particularity the directional arrows of rotation appearin'g thereon, it will be manifest that the meehanism hereinabove described is a left-hand.

nfiiihine. Obviously, the mechanism may be operated as a right-hand machine by reversing the direction of rotation from that indicated in Figure 5, in which case the relative positions of the arcuate cam 94 and bracket96 (Figures 15 and 16 would be changed so that the bracket 96 would be located adjacent theopposite end of.

the cam 94 from that illustrated in Figure 15. An

' opposite hand machine to that described and .other elements entering into the construction of the mechanism.

. In another embodiment of the invention which has been illustrated in Figures 1'7 through23, sealing devices representedin their entirety by the reference numeral I21 are mounted within a plate I28 which is supported upon a vertical shaft I29 for continuous rotary movement therewith, as in the preferred form of the invention; Each sealing head I21 comprises a centrally disposed top-pressure block I30, the shank l3l of which threadedlyengages a threaded aperture I32 in the plate I28, a spanner nut I33 engaging the extending end of the shank I3I providing means for locking the top-pressure block I30 in any suitable adjusted position within -a cavity I34.

Immediately below the pressure block I30 a plu- I rality of segments I35 are provided, each of said segments having a keyway I36 on its under side in engagement with an upstanding protuberance or key I31 formed integral, or otherwise, with a bottom plate member I38. Adjacent bottom plates I38 are secured to the plate I28 by means of T-bolts I39, extending through the plate I28 and provided with lock nuts I40.

The segments I35 are constructed to present a channel cavity I4I for the purpose of receiving a side-pressure annulusl42 of rubber or other suitable elastic or compressible material; This -member is similar in all respects to that. shown cut portion. The outer peripheral edges of the" segments I35 are likewise formed with arcuate surfaces I5I' complementary to the previously mentioned surfaces I50. This construction pre-.

a clevis I52 within which a cam roller I53 is ad-,

justably and rotatably mounted. Each cam roll-- er is suitably provided with a bushing I54 and is rotatably mounted upon a spindle or axle member I55 (Figures and 23). The spindles I55 are provided with athreaded portion I56 for threaded engagement at I51 with a threaded aperture in one fork of the clevis I52, and a concentricbearing portion I58 for hearing engagement .within the opposite fork of the clevis I52. Intermediate the threaded portion I56 and bearing portion I58 an eccentric portion I59 is provided for receiving and supporting the cam wheel or roller I53. This construction permits radial adjustment of the cam roller. I53 with respect to the center of th e segment-actuating annulus I44 through the medium of the threaded connection I51 and lock nut I60, it being only necessary to rotate the spindle I55 in its threaded connection I51 with the clevis I52 to change the position of the eccentric bearing portion I59 rotatably sup-- porting the cam roller I53.

- As in the preferred embodiment of the invention, a cam. plate l6l is suitably mounted in the path of rotation of the sealing head supporting plate I28, whereby the cam rollers I53 come in contact with the cam plate I6I to oscillate the segment-contracting annulus I44 in a horizontal clockwise directionagainst the tension of springs I62. The cam plate I6I in this embodiment of the invention is preferably resiliently mounted with respect to the cams.-l53, as in the preferred form of the invention illustrated in- Figure 3. The oscillation of the annulus I44 contracts the segments I35, which in turn contract the sidepressure sealing ring I42, a receptacle I63, having a cap I64 loosely supported thereon and raised into the throat I'65 ,(Figure' 20) of the sealing head, having its closure sealed to its receptacle through this operation. The top-pressure annulus I43 serves to provide a compressible cushion against the top surface of the closure ment, a single sealing head mechanism is disclosed as distinguished from the multiple sealing head devices described and illustrated previously hereto.

The mechanism in this embodiment. is some- -what similar to that illustratedin Figures 17 through 23, in that the sealing head-or device represented in its entirety by the numeral I68 is equipped with an oscillatably mounted annulus I69 suitably supported for movement in a horizontal plane within the sealing device. .The anments I13, the outer'peripheral edge of said segments being arcuate in form, as at I14. The segments I13 are provided on their under side with keyways I15 into which project keys I16, or similar protuberances, formed integral with the top surface of the bottom plate I1 I. The annulus I69 has a second annulus I18 secured thereto, as by rivets I19, the second annulus extending downwardly into bearing relationship with'the upper surface of plate Ill and encasing the peripheral arcuate edges of the segments I13. The vertical interior wall I88 of the annulus I18, adjacent the arcuate edges of the segments I13, is constructed in the form of complementary arcuate surfaces I8I which are in bearing contact with the arcuate edges I14 of segments I13. Oscillatory movement of the annulus I69, relative to the segments I13, in a clockwise direction as viewed in Figure 25 and indicated by the dotted line construction therein, radially advances the segments I13 towards the center of the sealing head.

Extending laterally from the annulus I69 is a lever arm I82 having an abutment I83 thereon.

This abutment is arranged to bear upon an adiustable stud I84 which is threadedly mounted within a block member I85 slidingly mounted in a clevis'member I86 supported within an extending bearing or housing I81 formed integral with a shaft-enclosing stationary housing I88 const'ituting a part of the sealing mechanism. The j bearing I81 is suitably provided with a bushing I89. The clevis member I86 is provided, at its extremity opposite to that in whichis supported the stud I84, with a rotatably mounted cam wheel I98.

Within the housing I88 is mounted a maindriving shaft I9I of this single sealing head ma- This shaft is driven from any suitable chine. source of power, not shown, and is preferably driven continuously in the operation of this embodiment of the invention. Secured to the shaft I9! is a cam I92 upon the surface of which the cam wheel I98 rides. The cam I92 is provided with a protuberance I93, which, on anti-clock-.--

arcuately constructed annulus I18, to move in a clockwise direction to radially contract the segments. I13. A suitable tension spring I94, secured to the laterally extending arm I82, by means of the cap screw I95, and ailixed at its opposite end to the stationarystud I96, provides a tensiongagainst which stress the cam I92 and its associated elements act. Preferably the studcarrying block I85 is seated upon a compression spring I 91 which affords means for applying a resilient pressure through the medium of the cam I92. I

Within an annular channel I98 formed in the segments I13 is a side-pressure annulus I99 of rubber or other suitable compressible material which on contraction of the aforementioned segments I 13 reacts to conform the skirt of a closure loosely supported upon a receptacle and positioned within the sealing head into close conformity with the glass finish supporting the closure. As in the previously described mechanisms, a top-pressure annulus 288 is likewise provided in this form of the invention, as is also a centrally positioned and resiliently mounted flanged member 28I which serves to position a A bottom plate I1I,- secured in placeas by means of the studs I12, supports a plurality of seg,

closure flatly in contact with the top surface of its supporting receptacle prior to a sealingoperation.

In 'the operation of this embodiment ofthe invention it will be seen that the sealing head functions to compress the skirt of a closure into sealing relationship with the closure-supporting receptacle once during each revolution of the shaft I9I and its cain I92. In this form of the invention, receptacles having closures loosely supported thereon are presented in registry beneath the throat 282 of the sealing head-which device is adapted'to be lowered into contact with the receptacle-supported closure in contradistinction to the previous embodiments of the invention wherein the receptacles were raised intothe sealing heads. As in the previously described embodiments of the invention, the side-pressure ring I99 also acts, on relief of the pressure applied thereto through the segments I13 and annulus I69, to expand the segments to their normal open position, whereby the sealing head may be raised above the sealed receptacle. Various mechanismsare available for the presentation of filled receptacles to a capping machine of the type described herein, and the reciprocation of the sealing head may be attained through a cam and link mechanism, not shown, suitably mounted upon the main shaft I9I of the machine.

The oscillatably actuated means for coritract ing the compressible closure-applying medium is common to all three embodiments of the invention herein, and WE this feature of the invention that makes it possible to incorporate this general type of sealing head in a continuously operated machine of the rotary type. This is considered of paramount importance in high speed packing and sealing of receptacles and has 1. A mechanism of the class described, coma.

prising a sealing head pro'vided with means adapted to be radially contracted to conform a closure skirt with a receptacle'finish, horizontal oscillatable means for applying substantially uniform radial pressure to said first-mentioned means to contract the same, and adjustable means in cooperation with said horizontal oscillatable means adapted to control and insure a predetermined contracting pressure'in said sealing head.

2. A mechanism of the class described, comprising a sealing head provided with a compressib'le member adapted tobe radially contracted to compress a closure skirt into conformity with a receptacle finish, horizontal oscillatable means for applying substantially uniform radial pressure to said compressible member to contract the same, and adjustable means in cooperation with said horizontal oscillatable means adapted to pressure insaid sealing head.

3. A- mechanism of the class described, com- I prising a sealing head provided with a compressible top-pressure means and a compressible sidecontrol and insure a predetermined contracting pressure means, means for positioning a receptacle having a closure loosely supported thereon inresilient contact with said top-pressure means, horizontal oscillatable means for applying substantially uniform radial pressure to said sidepressure means to compress the skirt of the closure into conformity with the glass finish of the receptacle, and adjustable means in cooperation with said horizontal oscillatable means adapted to control and insure a predetermined contracting pressure in said sealing head.

4. A mechanism of the class described, comprising a sealing head provided with a compressible member adapted to be radially contracted to compress a closure skirt into conformity with a receptacle finish, adjustable horizontal oscillatable means for contracting said compressible member, and adjustable means in cooperation with said horizontal oscillatable means adapted to control and insure a predetermined contracting pressure in said sealing head.

5. A mechanism of the class described, comprising a sealing head provided with a compressible top-pressure means and a compressible sidepressure means, means for positioning a receptacle having a closure loosely supported thereon in resilient contact with said top-pressure means, adjustable horizontal oscillatable means for contracting said side-pressure means -to compress the skirt of the closure intaconformity with the glass finish of the receptacle, and adjustable means in cooperation with said horizontal oscillatable means adapted to control and insure a predetermined contracting pressure in said sealing head.

6. A mechanism of the class described, comprising a sealing head provided with a compressible member adapted to be radially contracted to compress a closure skirt into conformity with a receptacle finish, a segmental ring engaging said compressible member, horizontal oscillatable means in association with the segmental ring for applying substantially uniform radial pressure to said compressible member, and adjustable means in cooperation with said horizontal oscillatablemeans adapted to control and insure a predetermined contracting pressure in said sealing head.

7. A mechanism of the class described, comprising a sealing head provided with a compressible member adapted to be radially contracted to compress a closure skirt into conformity with a receptacle finish, a segmental ring engaging said compressible member, adjustable horizontal oscillatable means in association with the segmental ring for contracting said compressible member, and adjustable means in cooperation with said horizontal oscillatable means adapted to control and insure a-predetermined contracting pressure in said sealing head.

8. A mechanism of the class described, comprising a sealing head provided with a compressible member adapted to be radially contracted 7 to compress a closure skirt into conformity with a receptacle finish, horizontal means adapted to be oscillated to apply substantially uniform radial pressure to said compressible member, resilient means associated with said oscillatable means adapted to retract said oscillatable means,

and adjustable means in cooperation with said horizontal oscillatable means adapted to control and insure a predetermined contracting pressure in said sealing head. v

9. A mechanism of the class described, comprising a sealing head provided with a compressible member adapted to be radially contracted 'ly threaded member is advanced to contract the to compress a closure skirtinto conformity with a receptacle finish, adjustable, horizontal means adapted to be oscillated to contract said compressible member, resilient means associated with said oscillatable means adapted to retract 5 said oscillatable means, and adjustable means in cooperation with said horizontal oscillatable means adapted to control and insure a predetermined contracting pressure in said sealing head. 10. A closure-sealing mechanism comprising a compressible siderpressure member adapted to compress the skirt of a closure into close conformity with a receptacle finish, a segmental annulus in engagement with. said compressible member, said segmental annulus having an inclined bearing surface, an annulus having a cornplementary inclined surface in bearing relationship with said first-mentioned inclined surface, an exteriorly threaded member engaging said second-mentioned annulus, and an interiorly threaded oscillatable member in threaded engagement with said exteriorly threaded member,

said interiorly threaded member being adapted to be horizontally oscillated whereby the exterior- 25 segmental annulus and compress said compressible member.

11. A closure-sealing mechanism comprising a compressible side-pressure member adapted to compress the skirt of a closure into close-conformity with a receptacle finish, a segmental an,- nulus in engagement with said compressible member, said segmental annulus having an -inclined bearing surface, an annulus having a complementary inclined surface in bearing rela- 5 tionship with said first-mentioned inclined surface, an exteriorly threaded member engaging said second-mentioned annulus, and an adjustable interiorly threaded oscillatable member in threaded engagement with said exteriorly 40 threaded member, said interiorly threaded memher being adapted to be horizontally oscillated whereby the exteriorly threaded member is advanced to contract the segmental. annulus and compress said compressible member..

12. A mechanism of the-class described, comprising a sealing head provided with a compressible member adapted to be radially contracted to compress a closure skirt into conformity with a receptacle finish, means associated with said 50 compressible member and adapted to be ,oscil-ah lated in a horizontal plane to apply radial pressure to said compressible member to contract the same, and a cam member adapted to actuate said oscillatable means, said cam member incorporating adjustable means for controlling and insuring' a predetermined contracting pressure in said sealing head.

ments to radially contract the same, said cam 70,

member incorporating adjustable means'for controlling and insuring a predetermined contracting pressure in said sealing head.

' 14. In a sealing mechanism, a plurality of sealing devices, supported in registry with a plu- 76 on, into the sealing devices prior to contracting said side-pressure members said: cam plate incorporating adjustable means for oontrolling'and insuring a predetermined contracting pressure in said sealing head.

15. A mechanism of the class described, comprising a sealing head provided with a top and side compressible means, a plurality of segments in engagement with said side-pressure means,

said segments being arcuate in form on their outer periphery, a horizontal member surround-.

ing said segments, said horizontal member having an interior wall composed of arcuate surfaces equal in number and complementary with the arcuate form of the segments, said horizontal member being adapted to be oscillated relative to the segments to radially contract the side compressible means in a closure-applying operation,

and adjustable means in cooperation with said horizontal oscillatable member adapted to control and insure a predetermined contracting pressure in said sealing head during a closure-applying operation. I

16. A mechanism of the class described, comprising a sealing head provided with a side-pressure means for compressing a. closure skirt into conformity with a receptacle finish; means in said head for resiliently pressing the closure flatly upon its receptacle, means for advancing said receptacle and loosely supported closure into said sealing head, horizontal oscillatable means for I applying substantially uniform radial pressure to said side-pressure means in a closure-applying operation, and adjustable means in cooperation with said horizontal oscillatable'means adapted to control and insure a predetermined contracting pressure in said sealing head.

17. In a continuous closure-applying mecha-.

nism, means for supplying receptacles having closures loosely supported thereon beneath a sealing head, means in said sealing head for compressing the skirt of a closure into conformity with a receptacle finish, means for raising the receptacle and closure into the sealing head, and horizontal oscillatable means for contracting said skirt-compressing means, said horizontal oscillatable means being resiliently retractable on completion of a closure-applying operation and incorporating adjustable means for controlling and insuring a predetermined contracting pressure in said sealinghead..

18. In a sealing mechanism, a compressible member adapted to engage and compress a 010- sure skirt into close conformity with a receptacle finish for' securing the closure thereon, camoperated means associated with said compressible member for applying radial pressure thereto to contract the same during a compressing operation, and an adjustable resiliently mounted cam plate adapted to contact with said camoperated meansduring a compressing operation,

said resilient mounting permitting adjustment of' the cam-operated means for any inaccuracies in receptacle finish.

19. In a sealing mechanism, a top compressible member and a side compressible member adapted to engage and compress aclosure top and skirt respectively into conformity with-a receptacle finish, a plurality of segments engaging and supporting'said side member, said segments having arcuate outer peripheries, an annulus surrounding said segments, said annulus having arcuate surfaces normally in partial bearing engagement with the' arcuate peripheries of the segments, a clevis connected to said annulus and extending outwardly therefrom, a cam roller rotatably mounted in said clevis, and a cam plate, relative movement between said clevis and said cam plate being adapted to bring the cam roller into bearing contact with the cam plate, and said bearing contact being adapted to oscillate the annulus into complete arcuate bearing relationship with said segments, whereby the segments are radially contracted to compress said closure skirt into ,close conformity with the receptacle finish. 20. In a mechanism for making and applying closures to filled receptacles, means for continuouslypresenting filled receptacles to a continu- 'ously rotating plosuresealingmember, a plurality of sealing heads within said closure-sealing memher, a plurality of receptacle pedestals arranged below and in registry with said sealing heads, a

I cam member for raising said pedestals towards the sealing heads to. position the receptacles within said sealing heads, horizontal oscillatable means for applying substantially uniform radial pressure to a closure on said receptacles to compress said closure while positioned within the sealing heads, means for positively returning the pedestals from their raised position following a closure-sealing operation, and adjustable means in cooperation with said horizontal oscillatable meansadaptedto control and insure a predetermined contracting pressure in said sealing head.

21, A mechanism of .-the character described, comprising closure-making and embossing units,

.means for positioning a closure discharged from the aforementioned units upon a receptacle while the same is in motion, a continuously rotating closure-sealing member, a plurality of sealing heads within said member, a plurality of receptacle-receiving pedestals supported below said closure-sealing member and adapted to rotate in V registry with said sealing heads, an arcuate cam sealing heads to present receptacles carried thereon within said sealing heads during a portion of a revolution of the closure-sealing heads and pedestals, horizontal oscillatable means for applying substantially uniform radial pressure to a closure on a receptacle to compress said clowithin a sealing head, means in combination with the arcuate cam member for positively lowering the pedestals to ,withdraw the sealed receptacles from the sealing heads during another portion of a revolution of the sealing heads and pedestals, and

adjustable means in cooperation with said horizontaloscillatable' means adapted to control and insure a predetermined contracting pressure in said sealing head.

p 22. In a mechanism of the class described, a sealing head member including a plurality of individual sealing heads, compressible means within each sealing head to compress a closure into conformity with a receptacle supporting said closure,

member for-raising said pedestals towards said sure while the receptacle is in its raised position x a sealing head actuating member for each sealing head extending outwardly beyond the sealing head member and adapted to compress said compressible means by application of radial pressure thereto, a

cam plate positioned to contact with said extending actuating members, said extending actuating members being adapted to be oscillated through striking the cam plate on rotation of the sealing head member, and adjustable means in cooperation with said sealing head actuating members and cam plate whereby a predetermined pressure is exerted in each sealing head.

23. In a mechanism of the class described, a sealing head member including a plurality of individual sealing heads, a compressible member within each sealing head adapted to compress a closure into conformity with a receptacle supportingsaid closure, oscillatory means associated with each compressible member and adapted to compress said compressible member by application of radial pressure thereto, said oscillatory means being disposed to project outwardly beyond said sealing head member, and a cam plate member adjustably mounted in a fixed position relative to said sealing head member,-said cam plate'being in the rotary path of said sealing head memher. said oscillatory means being adapted to strike said cam plate .on rotation of the sealing head member to successively compress said compressible members.

24'. A mechanism or theclass described, comprising a sealing head provided with a compressible member adapted ,to be radially contracted to compress a closure' slnrt into conformity with a receptacle finish, adjustable oscillatable means for applying radial pressure to said compressible member tocontract the same,. and adjustable means in cooperation with said oscillatable means adapted to control and insure a predetermined contracting premure in said sealing-head.

25. A mechanism of the class described, comprising a sealing head provided with a compressible member adapted to be radially contracted to compress a closure skirt into conformity-with a receptacle finish, adjustable oscillatable means adapted to be oscillated to apply radial pressure tosaid compressible member to contract the same, resilient means associated with said oscillatable means adapted to retract said oscillatable means,

and adjustable means in cooperation with said oscillatable means adapted to control and insure a predetermined contracting pressure in said sealing head.

, JOHN- .WAYNE THOMAS. 

